Cute marmoset babies prove a hit at Shoalhaven Zoo

And it's no different at the Shoalhaven Zoo, which is also boasting a number of new arrivals, including two very cute marmoset monkey babies.

The common marmoset babies were born just prior to the latest COVID lockdown, and now at 12 weeks of age they are just starting to step off and explore on their own.

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With the zoo now back in full operation after being closed due to COVID restrictions, the last week has been the first time the general public has been able to see these two amazing little monkeys.

Now weighing just 78 grams, at birth they were only 20 grams.

Zookeeper Kira McBeath who works with the marmosets admits it is "one of the coolest jobs in the world."

"The job does have its perks and one of them is being able to work with these beautiful guys and being able to have a connection with them," she said.

"They are just so engaging, inquisitive, friendly creatures. And they do love to play."

There are in fact three generations in the enclosure, mother and father and children from last year's arrivals.

"They are a very communal family," Kira said, which is known as a troop.

"Dad primarily does a lot of the parenting carrying the new babies around," she said.

"Mum, of course, feeds them and then usually dad takes them back.

"Now they are getting older, they are stepping off their parents' backs and even exploring a little on their own.

"Their brothers and sisters are now also often carrying them around on their backs."

Marmosets are native to South America, and live in the upper canopy of forest trees, feeding on insects, fruit, leaves, tack, sap, and gum and can live up to 16 years of age in the wild.

"They are beautifully camouflaged for their surroundings, including an orange colouration under their fur," Kira said.

A full grown female marmoset weighs 450 grams, bigger than the male of the species which is usually around 380 grams.

Marmosets can breed twice a year, with gestation being 148 days, or between four and a half to five months.

Interestingly, they usually have twins and can often be triplets. Single births are in fact rare.

Incredibly you can also get inside the enclosure at the Shoalhaven Zoo and have an experience with the marmosets when you take part in the Monkey Madness experience.

And having spent some time inside with these incredible little creatures, it is something you won't forget in a hurry.

"They love interacting with new people, new things, shining things, are intuitive and love to see what you've got. They love perfume and really just love people," Kira said.

"They are happy to meet new people - we've had a bit of a break due to COVID, but if you come down to the zoo there are also plenty of other babies you can check out across the complex, particularly in the farmyard."

The farmyard has lots of piglets, baby goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits and guinea pigs, while in coming weeks it's expected the female saltwater crocodile will also lay her eggs, while some of the tortoises' eggs are also in the incubator.

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